Securing Apparatus for a Roof Rack

Abstract

Method and apparatus for securing an object onto a roof rack. The method and apparatus utilizes a securing arm to rotate and press an object onto a roof rack. The securing arm is held in a closed position to keep the object securely pressed onto a roof rack. The method and apparatus provides a more convenient and secure means of securing an object onto a roof rack.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for securing an object to a roof rack, said apparatus comprising:
 a crossbar clamp for attaching said apparatus to a crossbar of said roof rack;   a securing arm; and   a settable rotational mechanism, attached to said securing arm to allow said securing arm to rotate about a rotational axis point, wherein said securing arm may rotate and be held in a closed position, such that said securing arm presses said object to said roof rack at a securing arm contact area.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said securing arm may be held in an open position. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said settable rotational mechanism is comprised of a clamping mechanism. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said settable rotational mechanism is comprised of a latching mechanism. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said settable rotational mechanism is comprised of a ratchet mechanism. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said securing arm is comprised of a compressible material at said securing arm contact area. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said securing arm contact area is at least a one inch line. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein said securing arm has an upward curvature and a rounded tip. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 5  further comprising of a ratchet locking mechanism for preventing a release mechanism of said ratchet mechanism from allowing release. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said object is a surfboard. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  further comprising of a compressible pad between said surfboard and said crossbar. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein said securing arm contact area is at a elevation higher than said rotational axis point. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein said securing arm is detachably removable from said settable rotational mechanism. 
     
     
         14 . An method for securing an object to a roof rack, comprising the step of:
 attaching a securing apparatus to a crossbar of said roof rack;   placing said object on said crossbar adjacent to said securing apparatus;   rotating a securing arm, that is attached to a settable rotational mechanism of said apparatus, towards the closed position to press said object between said securing arm and said roof rack; and   holding said securing arm in the closed position by said settable rotational mechanism.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said settable rotational mechanism holds said securing arm in the closed position through a clamping mechanism. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said settable rotational mechanism holds said securing arm in the closed position through a latching mechanism. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said settable rotational mechanism holds said securing arm in the closed position through a ratchet mechanism. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  further comprising the step of locking said securing arm in the closed position through a ratchet locking mechanism. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein said securing arm is comprised of a compressible material at a securing arm contact area. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said securing arm pressing said object provides both inward and downward force.